"I'm pregnant," I told him bluntly.
Animus's eyes widened.
"I'll do anything to protect my baby," I stated. "And my mate."
Pulling out of Zak's grip, Animus stepped back. An expression I'd never seen before appeared on his face, a mix of distant and emotional. His icy eyes wavered as his gaze went out of focus, staring vaguely at my belly.
What's that about?I wondered.He almost looks...
Animus let out a sharp exhale like he was clearing his mind, then whirled around. "I believe that's enough amusing myself with mortals for one day."
He strode directly towards Mistral, who muffled a yelp and froze as Animus leaned in to speak to him.
"I've already taken my share of Nautilus's magic," Animus said softly, yet loud enough for us to hear. "But be forewarned. I've not yet had my fill."
Animus teetered on the ledge of the rock and outstretched what remained of his missing arm. Pale shadows, like fog, smothered the end of it. My eyes widened as Animus's arm materialized right in front of us, like it had never been gone in the first place.
With a smirk, he flexed his claws. "Goodbye. For now."
The fog floating around Animus's arm enveloped his entire body and he dissolved into it. The remaining wisps of mist faded away in the wind.
Animus was gone.
I let out a heavy breath. As the adrenaline left my system, I realized I was shaking. Zak noticed as well. He wrapped his arm around me for support.
"I've got you, Kamari," he murmured. "I'm here."
I faced him with a weary smile. "I know."
Mistral squawked like a startled bird and flapped frantically over to us. "Are you two crazy? What were you thinking? You could've gotten killed! You--" His talons gripped his hair. "You... are seriously way too brave for a pair of mortals! Ugh!"
Zak snorted. "Thanks?"
Mistral let out an exasperated sigh and faced me. "Are you okay? Nautilus would pluck every feather off my body if he knew you or the baby was hurt."
I shook my head, thinking about Animus's odd reaction to hearing I was pregnant. "No, I'm fine. I think--"
A figure manifested on the water behind us, making Mistral shriek. I felt bad for the guy--Animus's appearance had really spooked him. Thankfully, the figure on the water was just Nautilus.
"Apologies, that visit took longer than I expected." The dragon-headed spirit surveyed the scene, then asked, "Ah... Did I miss something?"
20
Zakariel
"You're PREGNANT?"
The force of Galileo's voice would've knocked me on my ass if I hadn't been holding hands with Kamari. Seriously, how did such a big voice come out of such a small guy? Unlike me, Kamari was used to the otter shifter's rowdy nature and he had no reaction except a smile.
"Yes, Galileo," Kamari said. "I am."
After Animus's departure, Mistral and Nautilus shared a quick run-down of what happened. Mistral then wished us a rushed goodbye and disappeared into the sky, probably to go into hiding since Animus had practically told him "you're next."
I was worried about Mistral, but the coast was clear. Literally. Nautilus's powers were back to normal, which meant the waters were calm and under control. Animus seemed genuine when he said he had no more interest in Nautilus or his descendants. Then again, he was a malicious spirit and all, so who knew if it was true? Only time would tell now.
But my mate and my baby were safe. Animus had no interest in our unborn child, which was the greatest relief of all.
So now began therealchallenge: informing our families, both biological and found, about the news. Starting with a certain slightly obnoxious otter shifter.
